Paul Pope cut his teeth in the Northeast Ohio based, 70's rock n' roll band Molkie Cole. Molkie Cole was signed to Janus Records, toured regionally and nationally, and opened for acts such as Kansas, Meatloaf, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, and Dr. Hook.
After Molkie Cole disbanded, Paul formed The Paul Pope Band. The band, including guitarist Billy Sullivan, opened for acts such as Truimph, Richie Blackmore, Rainbow, Steppenwolf, and the Guess Who.
The Paul Pope Band's first album also featured John Sferra from Glass Harp on drums. The featured single “I Can't Stand It” was made into video which was aired in the early years of MTV.